This is a series. Letters here reflect the author’s opinion and not necessarily the opinion of MySaline and staff. See the archive and submit your own letter at www.mysaline.com/letters.
Submitted anonymously.
To the Editor:
I have been blessed to serve at the Benton Warming Center from the first time it opened, hosted by the Northside Church of Christ where everyone was welcomed with open arms into a warm, clean, safe place to stay.
We are so fortunate to live in a community where our elected officials make it clear that they care about ALL of our citizens, especially the homeless, less fortunate and those at risk in frigid winter temperatures and storms.
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I witnessed their compassion, and that of the many other volunteers, translate into action. There are too many volunteers to begin to name. I won’t try. You know who you are. Thank you, even though you don’t do it for thanks.
It is evident to all that you serve out of love as the hands and feet of Jesus to those struggling through hard times in their lives. You made a difference by doing simple things – washing clothes, playing cards and games, working puzzles, making new friends and cooking delicious, nutritious meals.
I appreciate the extensive hours of planning, preparations and execution of the plans. Each year there are improvements. There will be more next year.
I do want to give a huge shout out to the following local businesses who stepped up in a huge way by donating meals – Olive Garden, Gina’s Catering, Riverside Grocery, Texas Roadhouse and Starbucks. Several of these provided meals for 40 or more people.
For food safety purposes, we can only serve meals prepared by commercial kitchens or prepare the meals ourselves with our trained and supervised staff. These generous donations made our job cooking and serving much easier. Thank you, Olive Garden, Gina’s Catering, Riverside Grocery, Texas Roadhouse and Starbucks.
Your generosity is recognized and tremendously appreciated. Our friends thoroughly enjoyed every bite.
At last, but certainly not least, we owe a BIG THANK YOU to all of the security officers who served! You are appreciated!
Sincerely,
A grateful volunteer
This is a series. Letters here reflect the author’s opinion and not necessarily the opinion of MySaline and staff.See the archive of Letters to the Editor, or submit your own letter at www.mysaline.com/letters.
